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'Music For All' Programs Offers Classical Music On A Budget

A new program wants to make classical music accessible to Portlanders without much income. Aaron Scott reports.

Starting Wednesday, many of Portland’s classical music organizations are offering $5 concert tickets to people signed up with the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or Food Stamps.

The six-month pilot program is called Music For All. The Oregon Symphony, Portland Opera and Oregon Ballet Theater are among the twelve groups participating.

Tom Cirillo is the executive director of the Portland Baroque Orchestra.

Tom Cirillo: “We in the classical music community believe that what we have to offer is more important than ever. We’re hoping that this is something tangible that we can do to help people of all ages who are suffering in this economy to suffer a little bit less, to feel a little bit better about themselves, and to be able to face the next day of job hunting.”

Concert goers need simply show their Oregon Trail Card at the box office, although they will have to pay for the $5 tickets with their own money.